MYOLOGY 211 



It is covered in front by the tensor of the fascia lata, and 

 contributes with the vastus externus to form the upper 

 prominence of the knee. 



The hgamentous fibres, which, as in man, unite the knee- 

 cap to the tibia, transmit to this latter the action determined 

 by the contraction of the triceps. This muscle is an exten- 

 sor of the leg. Furthermore, the rectus femoris, or long 

 portion, acts as a flexor of the thigh. 



Tensor Fascia Lata (Fig. 68, 34, 36 ; Fig. 69, 30, 31 ; 

 Fig. 70, 40). — This muscle, generally larger in quadrupeds 

 than in man, is flat and triangular, and occupies the superior 

 and anterior part of the thigh. 



It arises from the anterior iliac spine (inferior in carnivora, 

 external in the ox and the horse) ; it is prolonged down- 

 wards by an aponeurosis (fascia lata) which occupies the 

 external aspect of the thigh, proceeds to be inserted into 

 the patella and blend with the aponeurosis of the biceps 

 muscle. 



It covers the rectus and vastus externus portions of 

 the triceps cruris ; it is also in relation with the gluteal 

 muscles. 



The tensor of the fascia lata flexes the thigh, and serves to 

 raise the lower hmb as a whole. 



Sartorius (Fig. 68, 35 ; Fig. 87, 4, 5 ; Fig. 88, 5).— 

 This muscle, long and flattened, is called by veterinarians 

 the long adductor of the leg. 



Before beginning the study of its position in quadru- 

 peds, it is necessary to remember that in man, where 

 the thigh has a form almost conical, the sartorius com- 

 mences on the anterior face of this latter, and is directed 

 downwards and inwards to reach the internal surface of 

 the knee. 



But now let us suppose the thigh flattened from without 

 inwards ; there will evidently result from this a change in 

 situation with regard to the muscle in question. In fact, 

 when this supposition is admitted, it is easy to imagine 

 that in a great part of the extent in which the sartorius 

 is normally anterior it will become internal. This is why, 

 these conditions being realized in quadrupeds, we shall 



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